New Season, New Hopes

It was a long off-season for the Red Army, one that began all too early. After a disappointing 8-3 loss to the Cryptic Stench in the first round of the playoffs, the players exited the rink with many unanswered questions. Those questions will be answered tonight as the Red Army faces off with their old rival Stop Staring at My Chest. A few personnel changes were made in the past few months, but all in all the starting lineup looks much the same. Mother Russia's Finest resigned two players over the off-season, inking defenseman Brad Lotocki and center Peter Hendricks each to 2 year extensions. Keeping with team policy the financials were not released, but Lotocki has since moved into a larger estate in the suburbs of Virginia.


Two players to keep an eye on tonight are Andy Schram and Jameson Simek. As you recall, Simek played two summers ago notching an assist in his first season but failed to find the back of the net. Expect that to change this season. After training with the minor league affiliate Trailside Tigers, Simek looks poised to make an impact on the score sheet. True rookie Andy Schram is making his debut tonight. Known for his physical play, Schram can scrap with the best of them. He should also supply some security for the Hendricks brothers and keep other teams' enforcers at bay. Both Schram and Simek have large shoes to fill however, as they will be expected to replace Neal and Brian Hendricks, two players that contributed for over twenty goals last season.

As usual, it isn't hard to find a quote or two from this bunch. Rookie of the year runner-up Steve Hand had this to say about his expectations for the upcoming season:

"I feel great about this season, uh we acquired some great talent in the off-season, i got talent, Americas got talent. I feel like the other teams in the league don't stand a chance, because they continuously over-underestimated the army. Spitz is in goal, and has our backs, no matter what. Check out my new book"

Hand here was referring to the book he published in the off-season "Any Burr in That Cup Bro?" about the trials and tribulations frat guys endure of hosting parties where proper beer pong etiquette is practiced.

Injury Update: Hand is nursing a cold but says he will play tonight. M Hendricks complained of a swollen pinky from a ping pong related injury but also says he will travel with the team.

Scratches: Peter Hendricks (Girlfriend's birthday), Chris Duhaime, Brian Lynch

Time to start a new season boys.